Ontogeny-Specific Skeletal Deformities in Atlantic Haddock Caused by Larval Oil Exposure

Bone deformities are one of the main effects crude oil exposure in marine fish larvae. Craniofacial and jaw deformities, if severe enough, may restrict feeding ultimately kill developing This study aimed to examine impact dispersed on bone development Atlantic haddock ( Melanogrammus aeglefinus ) larvae, a species spawning areas approached for gas exploration North Ocean. larvae were exposed low (60 μg oil/L), high (600 or pulsed (0–600, average 60 oil/L over time) from 0 18 days post hatch (dph). Endpoints included survival growth, integrity, transcriptional parameters, which assessed during (0–18 dph) after until reached 8 months age (243 dph). The results showed that treatment group had reduction growth at 2–19, 44, 134, 243 dph. abnormalities most 19 These not present 44 dph, possibly because with deformed jaws failed feed properly died. Higher prevalence spinal was observed haddocks survived Three genes encoding proteins critical osteoblast function, sp7, postn , col10a1 downregulated We discuss possible mechanisms action exposure. In conclusion, this shows larval can potentially have long-term integrity haddock.